How best to enjoy a white Christmas in Africa? Where could we find snow in Tanzania? Our simple solution was to scale the 5895m summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the "roof of Africa". From the flat savannah, Kilimanjaro rises through five distinct ecological zones to the improbably snow-capped Uhuru Peak. This is a classic gruelling trek of incredible beauty and variety. Walk slowly with your eyes open and you'll come back with something far more special than a summit certificate. I would leave the mince pies until you've descended though...
Author: Alex Stewart
Date: 1 December 2001